Wolf Point JOM Holds Special Meeting

The Wolf Point Schools Johnson O’Malley and Indian Education Committee held a special meeting Nov. 6. Remote access was made possible by via Zoom.

Chair Michael Turcotte, vice chair Rain Escarcega-Turcotte and secretary Natasha Kemp were in attendance, as were Fort Peck Tribal Court judges Imogene Lilley and Stacie FourStar. Kris FourStar and superintendent Loverty Erickson were also in attendance.

During the secretary/treasurer’s report, the 2019-2020 budget was reviewed. Chair Turcotte told the Northern Plains Independent that the previous budget was frozen, with no increased expenditures. The committee approved the 2020-2021 budget.

Under new business, the committee discussed possible incentives for a needs assessment survey, including gift cards and food baskets.

Turcotte said JOM typically provides snacks and refreshments during parent/teacher conferences, but did not this time. He said most conferences were held remotely due to the pandemic.

The committee renewed its annual JOM application and their CARES Act application was received.

Turcotte said that planning is underway for JOM to help provide activities and presentations from speakers during Native American Month. He said plans to smudge distinct buildings are also being discussed.

Turcotte reported that Circles of Care matching funds are available for application from Spotted Bull Treatment Center for eligible JOM students.

Bylaws for elections were reviewed. The recent JOM election was held on Facebook Live due to the pandemic. Turcotte said the committee was considering making changes to the bylaws to allow remote elections moving forward.

Plans for the national JOM meeting are pending. The meeting will likely be held remotely this year.

For more information about JOM, visit the group’s Facebook page.